NAUGATUCK — The Connecticut Hackers are within striking distance as the stretch run approaches.
With three weeks left in the regular season, the Naugatuck-based adult baseball team is 8-8 overall with six games left to play. They have two games left against both the first-place and third-place teams.
“We have a lot of new guys,” Hackers player Mike Doran said. “They’re finding their place within the team and we’re starting to gel.”
The Hackers have suffered some tough losses, including four in walk-off fashion.
Mike Calo and Ethan Szabo, who both attend Post, along with Doran and Steve Webb have been the primary pitchers. Mike Fox, who was one of the Hackers’ go-to pitchers last year, will soon be returning to the team.
“The pitching has really come around and people are starting to get healthy,” Hackers manager Steve Webb said. “We’ve been in every single game.”
Nolan Kinne and Bill Fedeli, both of Naugatuck, have played outfield and first base respectively. Both have also produced at the plate. New players like Brian LaRochelle, Jesse Tejero and Trent Levi are also in the mix.
“Nolan has been hitting well at the top of the order,” Webb said. “In general, we’ve gotten some key hits in key spots.”
Mike Bochino, Wes Dutton, Dan Kaminski, Nick Pereira and Ron Sweirbitowicz, all returning Hackers players, are also back with the team.
The Hackers start this week in sixth place. The top eight teams of the 12-team division qualify for a single-elimination postseason tournament. Each game is nine innings.
The Hackers have reached the division title game in seven of the last nine seasons.
